Thursday, May 26, 2016

What Your Knee’s “Cracking” Sound Really Means

If
your knees make cracking or popping sounds, it may be completely natural.
According to various sports medicine doctors, your knees are among the most
common joints to “crack”—especially as you age.

You
may hear these noises when you sit down, stand up, or perform the full arc of
your joint’s motion. As long as these cracking and popping sounds aren’t
associated with swelling or pain, they are most likely no cause for concern.

Why Healthy
Knees “Crack”

Your
knee’s cartilage—tissue that absorbs shock in the joint—can develop unevenly as
you get older. Since cartilage covers the bone, areas in your joint with less
tissue can produce a sound when they rub against each other. Cracking and
popping noises can also come from your ligaments—tissues that connect your
lower leg bones to your thigh—as they tighten.

Other Reasons
for Your Knee’s Sounds

If
you notice any swelling or pain when your knee produces a cracking noise, your
discomfort might signify an injury. This damage can range from slight to
severe, and you may want to consult a doctor if the pain persists.

For
example, cracking sounds can originate from torn or worn-down cartilage in your
knee. If it feels like your bones are grinding against each other when you move
your joint, you may suffer from arthritis. These noises can also come from a
meniscus tear—a common sports injury. Since your meniscus helps cushion your
knee, a tear can cause pain, swelling, and unpleasant sounds like cracking.

If
your knee’s popping or cracking sounds are directly related to discomfort,
consider stem cell therapy as a solution. This noninvasive procedure repairs
damaged tissue and can relieve aches in your joints.